Sixty-six-year-old distance runner Barbara McGirr was the national winner of award honoring older adults who improve their health through fitness. (NAPS)

(NAPSI)—Running can seem like a daunting workout no matter your age.
It takes an impressive amount of dedication to run long distances. However,
66-year-old Barbara McGirr did not let that deter her. Starting at the age of
62, McGirr set her sights on completing her first
half marathon. After only six months of training and a lot of hard work, she
achieved that goal.

Taking advantage of the free fitness membership she received through the SilverSneakers program offered by her Medicare plan, McGirr started her training by walking to build up
endurance. From there she started running small increments and gradually
increased over time to reach her ultimate goal. Now, even after retirement, McGirr continues to compete in 4K and 5K races.

Her inspiring fitness journey was recently recognized by SilverSneakers as she was named the national winner of
the SilverSneakers Richard L. Swanson Inspiration
Award, which honors older adults who improve their health through fitness.
Running has greatly improved McGirr’s quality
of life, and she shares that it helps keep her body and mind in shape.

If you are interested in running and improving your health, SilverSneakers offers the following tips:

• Talk with your doctor:
You’re never too old to start running, but it’s always good to
check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.

• Get the proper gear:
Invest in a good pair of shoes. Consider getting fitted at an athletic store
to keep your feet comfortable.

• Start slow: Start with
brisk walks and then slowly transition to running. Running for one minute,
then walking for one minute is a great way to build stamina.

• Set manageable goals:
Take it easy at first and listen to your body. If running a longer distance
is your goal, work up to it gradually—walking for a few weeks, then
intervals of jogging and walking. Before you know it, you’ll be running
with ease.

• Don’t skip the cooldown: Always cool down with a slow walk and lots
of stretching to reduce recovery time.

SilverSneakers partners with more than 13,000
participating fitness locations and wellness centers, giving members access
to the site’s basic amenities, including weights, treadmills, pools,
etc., as well as specialized SilverSneakers
exercise classes led by certified SilverSneakers
instructors. The program is offered at no additional charge through the
nation’s leading Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers
and group retiree plans.